Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Nick Castellanos benched after making comment that crossed line

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 5:07 PM ET

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos will not start Tuesday’s game after getting into it with manager Rob Thomson.

Thomson told reporters on Tuesday that Castellanos would not be in the lineup for the team’s game against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, later that day. Thomson said Castellanos made an inappropriate comment after being removed from Monday’s game.

Nick Castellanos was withheld from today’s lineup for making an inappropriate comment after he was pulled from yesterday’s game, Rob Thomson said.
— Charlotte Varnes (@charlottevarnes) June 17, 2025

Castellanos confirmed that he was not happy after being removed from Monday’s game and made a comment to that effect. Thomson told him he had crossed a line.

Castellanos said he was unhappy with being pulled from yesterday’s game, then spoke his mind. Thomson told him he’d crossed a line.

“It’s his decision. He’s the manager.”
— Charlotte Varnes (@charlottevarnes) June 17, 2025

Castellanos was removed from the game for defensive purposes in the bottom of the eighth inning. The Phillies had a 3-1 lead at that point and went on to beat Miami 5-2.

Presumably, Castellanos really crossed a line if his comment got him benched one night later. It likely doesn’t help that he has not had a great season, as he enters play Tuesday hitting a modest .278 with seven home runs.

The Phillies reportedly considered trading Castellanos during the offseason but failed to find a taker. This probably won’t help his trade value if that is something the team still wants to explore.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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